MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The 2025 Miami Open presented by Itaú is set to deliver an unforgettable blend of elite tennis, culinary delights, and cultural celebrations at Hard Rock Stadium from March 16-30. Tennis fans worldwide will gather in Miami Gardens to witness top-ranked players compete in an atmosphere brimming with excitement and entertainment.

Star-Studded Tennis Lineup

This year’s entry list boasts 21 title-winning players from the season, featuring 15 Grand Slam champions and 32 players who have collectively claimed 125 ATP and WTA 1000-level titles. Spectators can expect intense competition from tennis icons like Novak Djokovic, Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka, and rising star João Fonseca.

Culinary Delights and Signature Drinks

The Miami Open is more than just tennis—it’s a culinary playground. New dining experiences include Zuma, the globally acclaimed Japanese hotspot, along with fresh entries like Fabel Miami and Miami Slice. Fan favorites Bodega Taqueria y Tequila and Kiki on the River return with signature Mexican and Greek flavors.

For drinks, fans can savor the tournament’s signature Ace Paloma by Dobel or indulge in a Brugal Cafecito Martini at La Casa Brugal. The Stella Artois Racquet Club offers a variety of refreshing beers for guests to enjoy.

Theme Days and Special Events

The Miami Open will host fan-focused theme days, celebrating various cultures and causes, including:

• March 16 – Opening Day presented by bakerly: A free fan event featuring live music, family entertainment, and a fashion show with Miami Open x Lacoste’s latest styles.
• March 19 – Brazilian Heritage Day presented by Itaú: Enjoy vibrant performances and authentic Brazilian cocktails.
• March 20 – Hispanic Heritage Day presented by PNC Bank: Delight in Hispanic cuisine, music, and themed cocktails.
• March 24 – Women’s Empowerment Day presented by Gillette Venus: Featuring a panel with Martina Navratilova, Morgan Riddle, and Jenny Nguyen.
• March 25 – Out at the Open: A day of pride celebrations with giveaways and performances.
• March 27 – College Night presented by DoorDash: Featuring student DJs, mascots, and the exclusive DashPass Lounge.
• March 29 – Kids Day: Fun-filled activities for families, including face painting, live shows, and giveaways.

Exciting Additions for 2025

The 2025 Miami Open introduces the Publix Padel Cup, showcasing the growing global sport of padel with matches running from March 27-30. The Ultra Park by Padel Lux will feature luxurious padel courts for fans to enjoy throughout the event.

‘Miami Open presented by Itau’.

Returning for another year is the inspiring Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational from March 26-28, with former champion Dana Mathewson serving as Assistant Tournament Director.

Fashion, Experiences, and More

The tournament’s fashion scene shines with the Miami Open Shop, presenting a revamped merchandise collection featuring exclusive apparel by Lacoste. Fans can get a preview of the latest styles during the Miami Open x Lacoste Fashion Show on March 16 at 3 p.m.

Gondola during the Miami Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Mar. 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Jose Pineiro/South Florida Stadium)

For breathtaking views, guests can board the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Skyview Gondola, offering a scenic ride over Hard Rock Stadium’s grounds and Miami’s skyline.

Ticket Information

Fans can choose from Single Session Tickets with reserved seats on the stadium court or an affordable Ground Pass to enjoy outer court matches and the lively event atmosphere.

For the full schedule, sponsor details, and ticket information, visit www.miamiopen.com.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Russell Henley wins his first red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. This is Henley’s fifth win on the PGA Tour.

Russell Henley is greeted by his family on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Henley finished at 11 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 70 today. Collin Morikawa finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, finished today at 4 under par, tied for 11th place.

Scottie Scheffler tees off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Pride suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup Final, falling to Washington Spirit in a penalty shootout at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday night. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regulation, the match was decided in an end-of-regulation shootout, where the Spirit edged out the Pride 4-2.

Credit: Orlando Pride

Rafaelle Marks Return with a Goal

Brazilian defender Rafaelle made a triumphant return to the lineup after being removed from the Season-Ending Injury List earlier in the week. She made an immediate impact, scoring in the 41st minute to give the Pride the lead. The goal, her first of the 2025 season, was also her first since August 20, 2023, when she debuted for Orlando.

The Washington Spirit responded in the 72nd minute with a free-kick goal from Leicy Santos, who expertly placed the ball into the top-right corner past Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout Recap

In the high-stakes shootout, Orlando’s Julie Doyle and Angelina converted their penalties, but Summer Yates missed, and Ally Lemos’ shot was saved. Washington was clinical, with Ashley Hatch, Rebeca Bernal, Narumi Miura, and Tara McKeown all converting to secure the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup title.

Head Coach Seb Hines Reacts

Following the tough loss, Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines reflected on the team’s performance:

“Football is a cruel game, and losing in penalties is never easy. I thought we did really well throughout the game. Our pressing looked sharp, and we had some good opportunities. This being our first game of the year and a Final, of course, we wanted to win. Losing a Final and not lifting the trophy is hard, but this will fuel our hunger to continue building on our success from last year.”

• – Other Sports News
  

Match Notes

• Rafaelle scored her first goal since her 2023 debut for the Pride.
• Prisca Chilufya made her Pride debut as a second-half substitute.
• The Pride fielded nine of the same starters from the 2024 NWSL Championship match, also against Washington.

Match Stats

Possession: Orlando (52.2%) | Washington (47.8%)
Shots: Orlando (13) | Washington (9)
Saves: Orlando (2) | Washington (3)
Fouls: Orlando (12) | Washington (18)

What’s Next?

The Orlando Pride now turn their focus to the 2025 NWSL regular season, kicking off next Friday, March 14, against Chicago Stars FC at Inter&Co Stadium. Before the match, the club will hold a special banner-raising ceremony to commemorate their 2024 NWSL Shield and 2024 NWSL Championship titles. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com